"You know what an archetype is? Well, the library is where all the archetypes come from. It allows the system to simplify things somewhat. But every Hunter is different and develops in different ways. This allows us to more easily classify and categorize." I bobbed my head at the pixie's words as if the explanations made sense.

“So the class is just a descriptor of the basic powers a hunter has available to them?” I asked for clarification. “But I could really grow into anything beyond just the basics?”

“Ahh, putting that increased wisdom to work already,” Lacie said as she flitted around laughing. “Short answer, yes. So, any thoughts on what you want to become?”

I paced as I thought. “If this is anything like dungeons and dragons like you said. Then…” I trailed off in thought. “So, I know I don’t have the strength or desire to be a warrior. I’m not into the wilds, woods or animals, so that leaves out Druid or ranger classes.” I continued to pace in thought, then I stopped and let out a large sigh. “I’m weak and squishy.” I said looking back at the numbers before me. “I’m not very dexterous yet.” The pixie acknowledged. “Even my beginning statistics would be better for a magic class. Lacie, can you please tell me what magic-using classes I would be best for.”

“Wow, very charismatic.” The pixie said with a smile and clapping her hands, I really want to Gibbs slap the crap out of her. I thought as I eyed the back of the pixies head. “Okay, so there is the basic Wizard. Think of Gandalf. There is the Mage, witch, sorcerer, warlock, conjurer, thaumaturge, necromancer, and vodun.” The last two names made me shudder in disgust and break out in goosebumps. I recalled hearing stories of vodun in New Orleans and hated the idea of dealing with dead things.

“What’s the difference between a witch and a sorceress?”

“Well, with your old Charisma you would have been a perfect witch.” The pixie quipped. “All you lacked was a beaked nose and mole.” I felt it as I started to tear up. “Hey, don’t cry. I was joking.”

“You know what? It’s my freaking birthday... so excuse me if I just feel like crying...” I started to rant, even though I knew my eyes would turn red and blotchy. Tears welled up and began to fall. “My dad's in the hospital. There is a creepy gnome roaming around my neighborhood and in my yard. Then I find out magic is real, God maybe a fucking inter-dimensional library and the pixie I was told was a figment of my imagination when I was eight is real, very snarky and mean to me. Then to top it all off I’m adopted somehow.” I said wiping my eyes roughly with the sleeve of my jacket. “So forgive me if I sit here feeling sorry for myself.”

Stolen novel; please report.

“Yeah, I can see it has been a hard day for you.”

I Just glared at the short pixie in a huff. “Tell me about the Sorceress.” I said with a little anger in my voice.

“Well, the sorceress isn’t as studious as the witch, mage, or wizard; they draw their powers through the bloodline. Plus.” She said holding up her fingers in air quotes. “They get to dress all super sexy and slutty according to dragon magazine.”

“Will that help my Charisma?”

“It sure won’t hurt it.” The pixie said.

“Hey!” I said angrily.

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I’ll stop I promise.” Lacie said looking contrite.

“Lacie,” I said. “I’m trying not to be angry at you. It’s been very hard for me seeing you. What I’ve been told is a made-up creature.” I sniffed loudly. “Please less snark and more help.” I pleaded as I looked at the pixie.

“So you want to be a sorceress?” Lacie asked.

“Yes,” Firm conviction in my voice. The walls of the library chimed and seemed to speak in my head as it swelled out around me.

“You have become a Sorceress level 1.” My body felt odd as it seemed to adapt to the changes that the system required and then I felt something more, a strange energy that flowed into my body, a warmth that welled up from the inside and then seemed to dissipate. A notification started flashing with urgency.

Sorceress Level 1;

Mana Level:180

Health: 8

Bloodline Magic Received:

Familial Spells Received:

Detect Monster - The caster is able to detect monsters and creatures in a 20-foot radius

Detect Poison - The Caster is able to detect poisons.

Light Orb - The caster is able to create a globe of light.

Lesser Healing - The caster is able to heal Themselves or an individual.

Energy Dart- The caster is able to shoot darts of energy.

“Victoria Vivian Leighton. You have been registered with the system. We welcome you to the hall of hunters and look forward to seeing your deeds.” At these words, the light that made up the great library began to fade and was soon gone. I stood in the middle of the winter-bare quadrangle before the old fortress. A glowing mote hovered and flitted around the area. My friends were standing near me.

“Victoria?” Luke asked gently.

“You know what this means.” Lacie sang mischievously as she started to fly around me. “Shopping trip.”

“Yeah, I’m awake.” I said. I held my hand up and focused on the spell Energy Dart; a bolt of energy shot from my finger and struck a stone in the courtyard I had loosely aimed at. The stone sparked, and dirt fountained up from where the bolt hit, slightly off-center of the object.

“What was that?” Luke asked as he stared at the stone.

“Energy Dart.” Caroline said, worry in her voice as she eyed me.

I strode over excitedly to the spot a new sense of confidence filling me. There appeared to be black scorch marks on the rock. “It was so easy.” I said aloud, my voice filled with excitement. I looked at both of my hands and examined them in fascination. “Why have I never heard about this before?”